Exceler8s II: Project Charter

Brian Allisonbrialliso@cisco.com

650-996-8803

Steve BauerSteven.bauer@colorado.edu

407-701-3097

Aaron BornsteinAaron.bornstein@colorado.edu

720-641-8381

Sam Houpthoupt@colorado.edu

970-618-8406

Joyce JungJoyce.jung@colorado.edu

719-231-3246

Sarah MartinezSarah.martinez@colorado.edu

303-881-4684

Leann TatelmanLeann.tatelman@colorado.edu

303-589-4172

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Contents

Fall Roles & Responsibilities:................................................................................................................................5

Risks:......................................................................................................................................................................6

Schedule.................................................................................................................................................................8

Stakeholder Analysis............................................................................................................................................10

Cost/Benefit Analysis...........................................................................................................................................12

Colorado River Plan Executive Summary............................................................................................................13

List of Potential Sponsors and Donations............................................................................................................18

Presentation Outline.............................................................................................................................................19

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- Project Charter

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Project Purpose: Give back to organizations that enable the dreams of others to come true Appreciate and celebrate the life experience of accomplishing achievements not

thought possible by extending oneself physically and mentally in a team environment

Create an outlet for participants to develop team building skills

(add part that emphasizes importance of the CO river project)*

Prioritized Measurable Objectives: The mission of the subsequent objectives is to create an effective business model for the Excelr8 event by developing relationships with individual donors as well as corporate sponsors to connect with attractive charities. This will be accomplished through the completion of the following: Marketing Plan:

Develop and implement a process to explain Excelr8’s purpose and recruit 120 individual participants and multiple corporate sponsors

Develop and distribute information packet containing specific details of the event and donation processes to potential participants

Develop a logo and other brand assets to create a sustainable identity for the event and increase awareness (t-shirts, banners)

Develop marketing strategy to meet corporate sponsors’ goals Press release with corporate sponsor Reach out to local businesses for support*

Sales Plan: Set up the individual participant sponsor program Create solid relationships with a minimum of ten corporate sponsors to help fund

the event Raise at least $30,000 in donations from individuals and corporate sponsors Drive attendance of no less than 120 people for each day and confirm no less than

75%(?) of attendees by March 10, 2009(?)Logistics and Operations Plan:

Use Webex as main communication tool for managing the project Identify and implement appropriate organization structure and process for

collecting and distributing donations (?)(Brian’s 501C3 and website) Develop and plan a schedule for the two and a half day event, creating

challenging team building events along with technical instruction from the Winter Park and Berthoud Pass guides

Develop a budget as well as a management process for the two and a half day event

Clarify personal expenses to the attendees (lodging, rental gear, transportation, food)

Organize the participation of the corporate sponsors in the event Secure banquet room and catering services for Exceler8’s dinner on Day 1 and

Day 2 and breakfast each day (?) (not sure on breakfast plan) Technology Plan:

Design and develop a simple website for promotion and communication purposes such as information channels, marketing, registration, and tracking donations

Utilize WebEx and Telepresence(?) for internal and external communications Review innovative on-mountain technology applications such as video, RFID, and

GPS to promote Cisco and involve stakeholders (?)(still under review)

Project Manager Authority: In order for this project to be successful, the project manager will need the authority to:

Approach potential corporate sponsors for donations Communicate with Winter Park and Berthoud Pass management and resort for

Approved by: Project Sponsor: Date:

Fall Roles & Responsibilities:

Steve and JoyceTeam Members

Group coordinator with Hitachi, Brian, and TNC

Plan group meetings Coordinate with external team

members Manage website Design/distribute t-shirt, logo, info

packet and save the date Promote using Facebook Design donation Process

Aaron and SamTeam Members

Recruit corporate sponsors Collect and facilitate donations Design sales pitch Determine Winter Park sponsor

restrictions Coordinate with Chad about

previous sponsorships Assist other groups as necessary

Leann and SarahTeam Members

Coordinate lodging Coordinate banquet rooms Coordinate food/happy hour Coordinate transportation between

locations Coordinate events/competitions Determine base camp/registration

location Plan event logistics

Risks:

Risk/Cause Likelihood Impact Minimize Cause Current Status

Action Items Responsible Person

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Weather

No Snow Low High No Control Unknown Alternate Activity Plan (biking, hiking, etc.)

Collective

Blizzard Medium Med-Low No Control Unknown Judge severity and implement alternate activities

Silverton

Avalanche Low High No Control Unknown Delegate to Silverton

Silverton Guides

Road Closure Low-Med Medium No Control Unknown Suggest alternative routes and adjust schedule as needed

Collective

Ice / No Powder

Medium Medium No Control Unknown Arrange schedule as needed to adjust for 8’s contest

Collective

Technology

Insufficient Electricity

Low Low Use battery powered appliances

Functional Change location and utilize generators

Cisco Tech.

Internet Connection Down

Low Low Eliminate from program

Functional Proceed with dinner

Brian

Cisco Technology N/A

Low Medium-High

Technical Support on Mountain and secure planning

Available Eliminate from program

Cisco Tech.

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reservations

Website Malfunction

Low High Consult technical support

N/A Fix it Kaitlyn

Donation Error

Low High Consult Thrive N/A Repair Issue Sasha

IT Professionals don’t show up

Low Medium Confirmation N/A Improvise and set up available technology

Chad & Brian

Schedule

Late Donations

Medium Medium Reminders and confirmations

N/A Assertively pursue previously guaranteed funds

Collective

Unresponsive Contacts

Medium Medium Follow up emails and calls

N/A Assertively communicate to ensure participation

Kaitlyn

Objectives not met due to scheduling conflicts

Low High Time management

N/A Contribute as team and return deliverables promptly

Collective

Resources

Adequate facilities not available

Low High Site Inspections and confirmation

N/A Backup plan and respond as needed with frequent communications

Silverton

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Lack of donations

Low-Medium

High Active marketing and follow up communications

N/A Assertively pursue funds

Collective

Suppliers do not deliver

Low High Confirmation and Communication

N/A Secure by scheduled date

Sasha

ScheduleWeek Tasks (*deliverables in bold)

9/11/09 1. Meet with Brian and all group members2. Receive general information on project and start to discuss

individual duties

3. Meet with Hitachi consultants

9/16/2009 1. Meet with Hitachi Consultants and Brian2. Stakeholder analysis and cost benefit analysis3. Meet with Brian to plan more specific sponsorship/participant

opportunities and some event logistics

9/23/2009 1. Meet with Brian 2. Sponsorship3. Event specifics4. Website5. Develop Risk Management Plan

9/30/2009 1. First Deliverable Due2. Develop presentation for client approval3. Meet with Brian4. Sponsors5. Event logistics

10/7/2009 1. Meet with Brian2. Status Report

10/14/2009 1.Meet with Brian2.Sponsorship progress3.Logistics

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4. Website adjustments5. Send out ‘save the date'

10/21/2009 1. Meet with Hitachi Consultants

2. Meet with Brian

3. update risk management plan

10/28/2009 1. Meet with Brian2. Sponsors3. Event Itinerary4. Thrive5. T-shirts6. Fundraising7. Develop Quality Assurance Plan

11/4/2009 1. Pre-event meeting via Webex2. Silent Auction3. Final Participant List4. Transportation

11/11/2009 1. Develop Spring Semester plan

11/18/2009 1. Draft Presentations for feedback

11/25/2009 Fall Break

12/2/2009 1. Develop lessons learned2. Develop plan for closing project

12/9/2009 1. Final deliverables2. Final Client Presentations3. Performance reviews

Approved By:

Project Sponsor:________________________

Date: ________________________________

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Stakeholder Analysis

Name Organization Role Interest Influence Expectations Ways to Manage Expectations

Brian Allison

Exceler8 II Project Manager/Project Sponsor

High High Weekly status meetings, budget/spending approval, part of the brainstorming process, successful and timely completion of project, complete deliverables

Attend weekly meetings, get approval for every piece of project, turn in deliverables, keep updated

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy

Project Beneficiary

High Low Funds raised to contribute to their cause

Secure attendees and donations to give

Brad Winter Park Project Coordinator

Medium Medium Added business for Winter Park resort, a successful event, PR

Work together to establish lodging, event location, logistics, etc.

Sponsors Sponsor Companies

Project Sponsors

Medium High PR/advertising, recognition

Establish ways to give recognition and make sure they are well known at event

Student Group

CU Boulder

Students

Project Team High High Successful and timely completion of project, high grade

Stay on task, don’t wait until the last minute, communication among team members

Jim Marlatt CU Boulder Faculty

Project Grader Medium Low Complete and timely deliverables

Complete work ahead of time, manage deliverables due

Cisco Cisco Systems

Project Sponsor Low Low None None

Mentor Hitachi Project Medium Medium Successful Maintain

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Supervisor communication between all parties, problems/issues solved

communication channels, get help with issues that come up

Markus Beck

Alpine World Ascents

Director of Guides

High Medium Communication about guided trips, while staying within limits of business.

Maintain communication through email and phone and expectations for participating in the event.

Participants n/a Funding source High High Have a good time supporting a good cause. 100% of donations go to TNC.

Timely communication of event plans and smooth event/registration logistics .

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Cost/Benefit Analysis

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

BENEFITS

TANGIBLE

Donations to The Nature Conservancy

Colorado River Project improvements

Larger number of attendees

INTANGIBLE

Work towards a good cause

Exceler8 brand equity

Exceler8 public recognition

PR/advertising for Exceler8, Winter Park, sponsors

TOTAL BENEFITS

COSTS

DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Advertisement/promotion of event

Meeting costs

Communication costs

Invitations, save the dates

Website set up

OPERATIONS/MAINTENANCE COSTS

T-shirt costs

Covering sponsor costs for free attendance, etc.

Location rentals

Food/drink

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Transportation costs

TOTAL COSTS

BENEFITS LESS COSTS

Colorado River Plan Executive Summary

DRAFT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Nature Conservancy

Colorado River Program

Contact: Taylor Hawes 303-541-0322 thawes@tnc.org

The Colorado River is one of the iconic symbols of conservation in the American West, if not the world. It has shaped the human history of the southwestern region from the earliest Native American inhabitants to the explorations of John Wesley Powell to modern day. The river is a source of life in an otherwise arid region. The Colorado and its tributaries are globally significant for the vast assortment of life it supports.

Historically, the Colorado River drainage contained 49 native fish species, including 42 endemic species found in no other river system. The river basin encompasses a variety of freshwater ecosystem types, from mountain peaks to desert rivers and a great delta. It supports an astonishing array of plant and animal species that depend on a healthy, sustainable Colorado River basin, including the Colorado pikeminnow; Chiricahua leopard frog; Zuni Bluehead Sucker, alcove bog orchid; Southwestern willow flycatcher and hundreds of other species of migrating songbirds.

It is also a critical source of water for human needs. It sustains 30 million people and their economies in both the United States and Mexico, irrigating more than 3 million acres of farmland. Hydropower, coal-fired electricity, and oil and gas development also depend on the river. World-class recreation, such as boating, fishing and nature tourism, is a significant economic engine in the region. Population growth in the basin is expected to increase by approximately 39% by 2035 – 12 million more people depending on this river. Yet, climate change studies vary, but predict a range of 5-20% decrease in water supplies by 2050.

Due to long-term and intensifying human use of this river system, the natural diversity of animals and plants that depend on it is at grave risk. Of the endemic species, four are extinct and 95% of the remaining species are endangered or threatened. In the Lower Colorado River Basin, less than 2% of the native riparian areas are natural. Conservation success in the basin is constrained by many factors: growing municipal water use, spreading invasive plants and non-native animals, land conversion, energy development and poor grazing

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practices. In the past, federal and state agencies and many conservation organizations focused on smaller-scale planning and projects to tackle localized problems. However, the lack of a basin-wide vision and strategy for conservation has hindered the Conservancy and other organizations from capitalizing on land and water initiatives taking place at a larger scale.

In response to these concerns, the Conservancy undertook an assessment of freshwater plants and animals in the entire basin to determine its priorities and as a foundation for a conservation action plan at the basin-wide scale. The assessment helped the Conservancy identify potential cross-cutting strategies and a suite of site specific places where we can get the greatest return on our conservation investment. Building on that assessment, the Conservancy is developing a more detailed action plan that aims to protect globally threatened freshwater species and natural communities while recognizing the needs of people. This includes three major strategies and sixteen phase I priority river segments.

The Colorado River supports some of the fastest growing municipal areas in the country: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, Los Angeles, San Diego and Denver. A growing demand for water, coupled with natural variability and the potential for decreased water availability due to climate change, increases the urgency of developing long-term solutions for both economic interests and conservation. To be successful, the Conservancy must work closely with other conservation organizations. No other organization is working in as many places in the basin as TNC or across the entire basin, but each one is a critical partner for the implementation of important aspects of the plan. We must develop and work toward a common vision for the basin.

The West is on the cusp of the next generation of critical water management decisions. With several decades of water conservation experience, the Conservancy is poised to apply its scientific expertise and collaborative approach to ensure the future of water for people and nature. The Conservancy believes that human needs can be met without sacrificing the health of the freshwater systems upon which all life depends. Our basin-wide approach will provide a template for the protection of working rivers, particularly with growing demand and increasingly arid conditions—one of the most vexing

global problems.

The Nature Conservancy’s Vision

The Conservancy’s vision is that streams and rivers of the Colorado River Basin will be managed to conserve the native species, natural communities, and ecosystems found in and along the river system. We recognize that this vision of sustainable biodiversity must incorporate the human dimension, including rural communities, vibrant cities, viable agricultural economies, and adequate water and hydropower supplies. Ultimately, TNC hopes to create a new paradigm that will allow it, and its conservation partners, to be more efficient and effective in freshwater conservation efforts of this magnitude. The Nature Conservancy’s Colorado River program is driven by the belief that conservation efforts in the Colorado River basin can balance environmental needs with human use.

A Basin-wide Plan for the Colorado River

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This strategic plan describes how we might achieve many of the goals associated with a sustainable river system in the short-run, while creating a framework for sustainability in the future. TNC does not expect that it will perform all the elements and actions in this plan, but it will work with stakeholders and partners to identify means by which required actions can be taken and objectives can be accomplished. TNC also recognizes that ultimately any strategic plan must be an organic document and must provide a flexible framework that can adapt changing circumstances and opportunities.

This plan describes a multitude of strategies to achieve conservation objectives in the Basin. All strategies must be considered within the context of local circumstances, including geography, politics and stakeholders; however, the plan also includes strategies at both basin-wide and site-specific scales. Cross-cutting strategies will support efforts in the priority segments by creating additional tools and mechanisms. River specific activities will help us meet our conservation goals for the basin. Working at the basin-wide and sub-basin scale is necessary to achieve long-term sustainability in the basin, together with the willingness to measure outcomes and adapt our strategies if we are not meeting our goals. Most importantly, the plan must remain focused on the fundamental organizing principles and goals that inform our vision for the basin.

Major strategies

Cross-cutting strategies are those that go beyond specific places and create a long-term framework for success and new tools to achieve the Conservancy’s bio-diversity goals while also fulfilling our guiding principles. The strategies identified in this section can be divided into the following ten major categories:

1. Imperiled Species Conservation.

2. Sustainable Funding for Freshwater Conservation.

3. Water Management Reform.

Sixteen Phase I River Segments

The Nature Conservancy has selected 16 Phase I on-the-ground projects throughout the Colorado River basin. These are river related projects from the headwaters to the sea in the United States and Mexico to restore native fish and streamside vegetation, to control non-native vegetation, to improve flow patterns, and to protect floodplain habitats. The projects were selected as Phase I sites for two main reasons: 1) TNC believes it will get the biggest return on investment working in these places first, 2) TNC is already working on these rivers or has some capacity to work here in the near future.

These Phase I rivers include:

1. Bill Williams River (Arizona)

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2. Dolores and San Miguel Rivers (Colorado & Utah)

3. Escalante River (Utah)

4. Gunnison River (Colorado)

5. Lower Colorado River & Delta (Arizona, California, & Mexico)

6. Lower Green Colorado (Colorado & Utah)

7. Muddy River (Nevada)

8. San Juan River (Colorado, New Mexico, & Utah)

9. San Pedro River (Arizona)

10. Upper Colorado River (Colorado & Utah)

11. Upper Gila River (New Mexico & Arizona)

12. Upper Green (Wyoming)

13. Verde River (Arizona)

14. Virgin River (Utah, Nevada, & Arizona)

15. Yampa, White and Little Snake Rivers (Colorado, Wyoming, & Utah)

16. Zuni Headwaters (New Mexico)

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List of Potential Sponsors and Donations

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Presentation Outline

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